Corringham armed robber who dressed as police jailed

Belay Zeine entered a home in Corringham through the back door at around 10am on April 6 2023, dressed as a police officer and carrying handcuffs and a fake gun. 

Once inside the home, he handcuffed and threatened a mum and three children while demanding money and to be sent cryptocurrency. 

Jailed - Belay Zeine (Image: Essex Police)

One of the children, a teenager who was upstairs, was able to call 999 quietly and ask for help, while downstairs, Zeine snatched one of the victim's phones and continued to demand that he be sent cryptocurrency.

When he was repeatedly told there was no cryptocurrency to give, he panicked and attacked one of the family members, causing him to fall downstairs and suffer a head injury.

As this was happening, the mother managed to free herself from the handcuffs and alerted neighbours to the incident before Zeine fled the scene.

Police were quickly able to identify him after carrying out a number of checks and raided a property in the Chelsea area of London, where Zeine was arrested.

Fake gun - The fake gun seized at the scene (Image: Essex Police)

A search of another property linked to him uncovered a number of imitation firearms, tactical vests and batons.

Zeine, 32, of Ixworth Place, London, was charged with robbery in a dwelling, two counts of false imprisonment, and possession of imitation firearm while committing an offence.

He was due to stand trial at Basildon Crown Court on September 9 but admitted the offences on the first day and was sentenced on Tuesday to seven years and four months in prison.

Detective Inspector Lisa Hurrell, who ran the investigation, said: “This was a terrifying experience for the family, who showed incredible bravery during the incident, from the teenage child being able to dial 999, to the mother freeing herself and alerting neighbours.

“Zeine escaped the area initially but as a result of some really targeted work, we were able to identify him as a suspect quite quickly and get warrants for a number of premises linked to him – and arrest him.”

DI Hurrell added: “Although we now know the handgun to be an imitation, the family will not have known this, which again only serves to show their bravery.

“Zeine had initially denied being behind the incident but on day one of his trial, the evidence caught up with him and he had to admit his guilt.

“And I hope this sentenced goes some way to helping this family to move on from Zeine’s horrific actions.”